In many ways RED Friday is something we say, post about or wear our favorite red shirt. Ok so that’s not you but it is for many which I why I decided to write a post about it.

Just remember that the ability to spend your weekend with family and friends is because someone, many someone’s, are deployed around the world keeping our country free and safe.

They aren’t home for the birth of their first child, first steps, prom, birthdays and so many more special days and events. Yes I understand they volunteered. Hell I was one of those volunteers for over 20 years. But that doesn’t make the sacrifice any less meaningful or hard.

So on this RED Friday and every one to come please start your day with a prayer for those serving all over the world. It’s honestly the least we can do!

UPDATE:You have changed things. I just got a call from a lady at VA. Someone sent the video to a senator and that senator (she would not give me the senators name) contacted the VA and told them to find a way for me to receive after treatment where ever I want. This is a big deal. However, while this does help me obtain the treatment I need it still doesn't change the fact that had they done things the way they should have I would not be dying.

My desire and wish is to force changes in the va to allow ALL veterans to get the care they need. If they can now allow me to get treatment where ever I want then they can allow ALL veterans to get treatment where ever they want. Please don't stop now. This is a fight you can win.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Mayo Clinic categorize PTSD symptoms differently, but chronic anxiety and feeling keyed up both can put your mental and physical health at risk.

Symptoms of emotional arousal in former military personnel may include anger or irritability, an overwhelming sense of guilt or shame, and trouble sleeping. PTSD sufferers may also report being easily startled or seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.

In addition to visual and auditory hallucinations, PTSD symptoms can include self-destructive or addictive behavior such as drinking too much, taking illegal drugs, and misusing prescription drugs.

If you or a veteran you know may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, it’s important to learn the signs so that you can get the help you need.

I have NOT received this type of therapy. If you have please comment below on your experience....good, bad or otherwise.

There are several different types of CBT. In cognitive processing therapy (CPT), PTSD sufferers learn life skills that help them to understand how a traumatic event changed their feelings and thoughts.

Another type of CBT, prolonged exposure therapy (PE), encourages veterans to talk about the traumatic event until their memories are no longer upsetting. PTSD sufferers also visit places they have avoided in order to minimize emotional suffering.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an eight-phase treatment for healing emotional injury caused by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTDS). Supporters of EMDR therapy cite studies that show this type of psychotherapy works more quickly and completely than counseling veterans.

EMDR therapy requires the patient to focus on past, present, and future. As a PTSD therapy, it treats the brain like the body in the sense that emotional wounds must be closed or they will fester. By removing an emotional blockage caused by a traumatic event, veterans who suffer from PTSD can find relief.

Critics of EMDR cite sensational media reports and exaggerated claims of success. Few controlled outcome studies have been completed, so it’s unclear whether EMDR therapy is any more effective for PTSD than standard exposure treatments for veterans.